1
as in moody
frequently influenced by moods and especially bad moods
one of those temperamental actresses who can make life difficult for everyone around her
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
stock prices have been pretty temperamental lately, often fluctuating wildly
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of temperamental
Affectionate Venus and temperamental Mars in Capricorn oppose the moon, escalating our moodiness and sentiments.
—
Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 1 Jan. 2026
Except for a lithic crevice that jags through the composition, and a complementary bit of green-and-yellow Mardi Gras coloring, this is a portrait of a temperamental hue.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
While leather can be a little more temperamental in the face of inclement weather, using a wax protector and leather moisturizer helps keep your bag in the best shape.
—Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 16 Dec. 2025
Such mildness is a rarity in Kansas, because the state is notoriously temperamental and swings wildly between heat and cold.
—Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 1 Jan. 2026
Except for a lithic crevice that jags through the composition, and a complementary bit of green-and-yellow Mardi Gras coloring, this is a portrait of a temperamental hue.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
While leather can be a little more temperamental in the face of inclement weather, using a wax protector and leather moisturizer helps keep your bag in the best shape.
—Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 16 Dec. 2025
Such mildness is a rarity in Kansas, because the state is notoriously temperamental and swings wildly between heat and cold.
—Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperamental
Adjective
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This bestseller delivers a moody scent.—
Andrea Navarro,
Glamour,
29 Jan. 2026
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All the while, the river shimmers in the sun, blue then green, then melancholy and moody as cloud shadows sweep overhead.—
Roger Naylor,
AZCentral.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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That will entail the coöperation of finance and industry, which, weary of the current Administration’s volatile economic and foreign policy, are likely to support a challenger who can steady the boat.—
Nathan Heller,
New Yorker,
1 Feb. 2026
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The deep, indomitable and occasionally volatile Penguins soared again on Saturday.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The challenge is resisting impulsive decisions driven by anxiety.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
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Anyone who has made an impulsive decision in a moment of intense emotion knows that feelings shape our choices just as much as rational thought.—
Jasna Hodžić,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Your finances are the focus as unpredictable Uranus stations direct in your 2nd House of Resources, stalled money moves unstick, so a raise chat or subscription cleanup suddenly looks worth action.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2026
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Complaints about low wages and unpredictable schedules for associates were rising.—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
As a new Fortune magazine feature reveals, the gold hoarding reflects a belief on the part of Tether’s CEO that Western economies are unraveling and that his firm can be an anchor of stability in an unstable world.—
Carlos Garcia,
Fortune,
30 Jan. 2026
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As stocks become unstable, precious metals are usually a safe bet for investors.—
Itzel Franco,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Temperamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperamental. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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